Ctg Abahani storm Independence Cup Football final

Dhaka – Defending champions Chittagong Abahani Ltd reached the final of the 12-team Independence Cup Football Tournament eliminating Rahmatganj Muslim Friends Society by 1-0 goal in the 2nd semifinal at the Bangabandhu National Stadium here on Tuesday. They will play the title-deciding match against first-ever finalist Arambagh Krira Sangha on Saturday (February 10) at the same venue.Striker Sakhawat Hossain Rony scored the match-winner for Chittagong Abahani in the death minute of the first half converting a penalty kick (1-0).Rahmatganj defender Mozammel Hossain Nira committed a handball in the danger zone while trying to clear the ball in the goal mouth during an attempt of Abahani defender Sushanto Tripura after slipping from goalie Razib and referee Sujit Benarjee Chandan awarded the penalty in favour of Ctg Abahani. Abahani goalkeeper Ashraf Islam Rana saved his side in the 75th minute denying Rahmatganj substitute midfielder Elias a penalty. Abahani midfielder Sohel Rana fouled onrushing Shamim Reza inside the danger zone in the 72nd minute and referee awarded a penalty in favour of Rahmatganj MFS. Rahmatganj forward Helal missed an opportunity in the 11th minute as his right footed shot from top of the six yards box went out edging over the crosspiece.Abahani created a chance in the 39th minute when Rony took a shot from the box to fire the net off a free kick from midfielder Abdullah, but the referee blew his whistle for an offside.Rahmatganj were reduced to a 10-man side in the 78th minute as their defender Saddam Hossain Anny got marching order after receiving 2nd yellow card in the match. Rahmatganj kept control over the ball for most of the time of the match and created some fruitless opportunities.Earlier, Arambagh Krira Sangha smartly reached the final of the Independence Cup Football Tournament for the first time eliminating Premier League runners-up Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club also by 1-0 goal in the first semifinal at the same venue on Monday.Mohammad Jewel scored the match-winning goal for Maruful Haque’s Arambagh KS in the 89th minute to the frustration of stronger Sheikh Jamal DC.Chittagong Abahani reached the semifinal eliminating former champions Sheikh Russel KC by 4-2 goals in the 4th and last quarterfinal on Saturday.UNB news agency